What are Michigan’s Current Cannabis Laws?

Are you new to Michigan? Would you like to understand the Michigan marijuana laws more? If the marijuana regulations confuse you, were going to take a look at the LARA surrounding both medicinal and recreational marijuana so that you can get to know the current Michigan cannabis laws more.

Now, the main reason for why some consumers and citizens are confused, is due to the change in laws. November 6 2018 is a pivotal date in the Michigan marijuana timescale. On this date, Michigan became the first state in the Midwest to legalize recreational marijuana, and the tenth state in the country overall.

As part of this, the Bureau of Marijuana Regulation was set up to oversee the implementation of the two main types of laws. Due to the nature of cannabis use, separate laws are in place for both medical and recreational cannabis use. However, implementation laws are just the start. Because now, a series of bills are being pushed through the courts. One of which, backed by pro-cannabis legislators, is to expunge the cannabis-related convictions from criminal records. Also, the requirement of set safety labels on medical cannabis products is also in talks.

In terms of the recreational side of things, there is a stumbling block due to the lack of actual retailers that sell the products. However, it is thought that stores, known as dispensaries, are likely to open from 2020. Until then, it seems as if the Michigan gifting law, whereby free marijuana products are supplied with merchandise purchases.

As you can imagine, this isn’t all that clear for consumers of both medical and recreational marijuana. So let’s take a look at the Michigan marijuana and LARA rules, for consumers, suppliers and producers too.

Laws for Medicinal Purposes

First of all, let’s delve into the laws surrounding medical marijuana. It’s a little more flexible than its recreational counterpart. In short, those classes as using cannabis for medical purposes are able to possess up 2.5 ounces at any given time. In terms of what this eqates to, LARA would advise

The medical marijuana law provides a few more allowances than the recreational law. Medical users can possess up to 2.5 ounces of usable cannabis at a time. The following are considered 1 ounce of usable cannabis:

16 ounces of cannabis-infused solids

7 grams of cannabis-infused gases

36 fluid ounces of cannabis-infused liquids

As a step on from that, patience can also grow their own plants, up to a maximum of twelve in total, and subsequently store p to ten ounces of their own product if grown in their own homes.

But what classifies a consumer as eligible for medical use? Below are the current medical conditions that qualify patients for using medical marijuana in Michigan:

Patients with at least 1 of the following debilitating medical conditions may be eligible to participate in the medical marijuana program:

Cancer

Glaucoma

HIV positive

AIDS

Hepatitis C

ALS

Crohn’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease

Nail Patella

PTSD

OCD

Arthritis

Spinal cord injury

Colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease

Ulcerative colitis

Parkinson’s

Tourette’s disease

Autism

Chronic pain

Cerebral Palsy

A medical card must be obtained for medical marijuana usage to take place, and the patient must be authorized by a doctor registered for the Michigan Medical Marihuana Program. In terms of limitations, no more than ten purchases in one month can be made from a dispensary.

The Medical Marijuana License

For those looking to supply medical marijuana in Michigan, the Medical Marijuana License must be obtained. As you can see, only eligible patience will be able to purchase from licensed medical marijuana dispensaries, so it is important for suppliers to familiarize themselves with the above usage laws.

Laws for Recreational Purposes

In contrast, let’s consider the Michigan marijuana laws for recreational usage. In short, adults over the age of 21 are able to purchase, possess, use, process, or transport up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis bud, or 15 grams of concentrate. Like the medical usage, recreations users are also able to grow up to twelve plants, or store the same ten ounces of product when grown at home.

As a step on from that, a maximum of the same quantities can also be “gifted” to another adult, over the age of 21 – however, with the “gifting” stipulation, is must be given free (not sold). Nor can this be advertised – so, this cannot be carried out for commercial gain! Again, it would suggest that a Recreational Marijuana License would be needed for such activities

The Recreational Marijuana License

For the time being, as we earlier discussed, it appears that no recreational marijuana dispensaries exist in Michigan. However, by 2020, they may. This would mean that those interested in selling recreational cannabis would need to look into, and procure, a Recreational Marijuana License in accordance with LARA.

Rules for Michigan Marijuana Dispensaries

Now, it is important for those looking to sell cannabis to be aware of the rules. Not only will a Medical Marijuana License or Recreational Marijuana License be required, however as we have covered only medical dispensaries as the recreational dispensary laws are currently in development.

In terms of laws, it’s essential for dispensaries to test and label products before they are sold. Sales must be tracked and transactions sent to the state. It’s important for patient cards to be confirmed too.

Michigan Marijuana Producer Law

There are also Michigan marijuana rules concerning the growing of cannabis. Currently, there are three types of grower license in Michigan.

A class A license authorizes the cultivation of 500 cannabis plants

A class B license authorizes the cultivation of 1,000 cannabis plants

A class C license authorizes the cultivation of 1,500 cannabis plants

In order to sell product on to dispensaries, growers must use state-licensed secure transporters, unless they are also the dispensary seller and operate in the same premises.

If you’re thinking about using, carrying, supplying, or becoming involved with medical marijuana or recreational marijuana in Michigan in any way, feel free to seek any legal advice you may need at this time with us. From the Medical Marijuana License, Recreational Marijuana License, we can provide the guidance and support you need to comply with LARA and stay within the law.